SOUTH BOSTON, VA. South Boston Speedway officials announced recently that Gene Lawson has been named Competition Director at the historic four-tenths mile asphalt oval for the 2005 season.

"I'm real excited about being back at South Boston Speedway," Lawson said. "I'm hoping for a really good year this season."

Lawson brings loads of experience with him to the position. In addition to working for South Boston Speedway for over seven years, he also worked at various other NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series race tracks last season.

"I kind of just worked at various places last season," Lawson said. "I worked some in Nashville [at the Music City Motorplex, which is owned by Joe Mattioli] and also at Ace Speedway [in Altamahaw, N.C.] I just kind of filled in last year where people needed me."

Lawson is also is a former competitor. He used to hit the track as a driver at nearby Ace Speedway. He also competed at Bowman Gray Stadium and won a Sportsman Division championship in Charlotte during his time as a competitor.

"We are so excited about having Gene back on board with us," South Boston Speedway General Manager Cathy Rice said. "He used to race and he's also worked at many tracks, including South Boston Speedway.

"Gene has been on both sides of the fence as far as racing goes," Rice added. "He has been a chief steward as well as a competitor. He understands the language of the drivers and the technical end of the sport. From what we've heard from our competitors and crews, they are all happy to have Gene coming back.

"I couldnt be happier," Rice continued. "With the knowledge Gene has and the understanding he has for the competitors, we here at South Boston Speedway are looking for a great year in 2005."

The 2005 racing season at South Boston Speedway will get underway on Saturday, March 12, with a special afternoon starting time of 2 p.m. The March 12 event will kick off a 2005 schedule, which consists of 25 events.
For more information about South Boston Speedway, phone the speedway at 434-572-4947 or 1-877-440-1540.